Baseball, America’s national pastime, has a long and illustrious history, dating back to the 1840s. Developed and derived from two English games, Rounders and Cricket, it was brought to the Americas by English colonists. Baseball continued to progress as a sport and to gain popularity across the US.
As the game evolved, so did baseball equipment. One of the latest developments in baseball equipment is the batting glove, which will be the topic of this equipment review.
Batting gloves typically consist of a leather palm, and nylon or other man-made fiber for the back of the glove. They are usually worn on both hands, and provide protection from blisters, heat or cold, giving the batter an improved grip on the bat, while absorbing the shock from hitting the ball.
Our Personal Best Choice
Batting gloves are an essential piece of equipment in the game today and are worn by virtually all players at any level of the sport. They have evolved to the point where runners wear them while on base, to prevent hand abrasion while sliding. Many fielders wear them on their glove hand for additional padding and protection.
Comparison Table
In this section, we are going to take a look at fourteen different pairs of batting gloves.
Product | Best Features | Rating (Reviews) | Price Range | View on Amazon |
---|---|---|---|---|
|
4.5 out of 5 |
|||
|
4.5 out of 5 |
|||
|
4.5 out of 5 |
|||
|
4.4 out of 5 |
|||
|
4.4 out of 5 |
|||
|
4.1 out of 5 |
|||
|
4.1 out of 5 |
|||
|
4.1 out of 5 |
|||
|
4.1 out of 5 |
|||
|
4.1 out of 5 |
|||
|
4.1 out of 5 |
|||
|
4.1 out of 5 |
|||
|
4.0 out of 5 |
|||
|
4.0 out of 5 |
Who Was the First to Wear Batting Gloves?
As with most things in baseball, there are conflicting stories about the original use of batting gloves. Some credit their use in spring training by Bobby Thompson of the NY Giants in 1949, while others point to Ted Williams wearing them in batting practice in 1953. In both cases, golf gloves were used, as gloves made specifically for batting were not yet developed. Most sources agree that Ken Harrelson was the player who first wore batting gloves in a game, but there is disagreement as to the year – 1964 vs. 1968. Rusty Staub was the first to wear them on a daily basis, and their use became nearly universal in the 1980s, spearheaded by a working arrangement between Mike Schmitt and the Franklin Sporting Goods Company.
As the stage for baseball has grown from America to a global platform, the demand for baseball equipment has grown with it. The sport is immensely popular in Latin and South America, both of which provide talented players to the major leagues. It is also very popular in Asia and will be featured in the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo. The Little League World Series also has teams from around the world in their annual competition. While baseball may still be our national pastime, it truly is a global sport.
Buying Guide
The purpose of this section is to give you some overall guidance and overview of the factors that may be important as you are shopping for your batting gloves. While many of these gloves will look nearly identical on paper, some subtle differences may make one brand superior to another. Our goal here is to help you identify those factors, and understand whether or not they are relevant in your purchasing decision.
We won’t go into a lot of detail in this section, but rather try to establish an overview on each of the key features and specifications of the batting gloves. Given the fact that most of these gloves are very similar in price, pricing may not be the most important item as you make your choices. We recommend that you focus on value – that combination of features and specification, along with price, that makes a particular glove the best purchase for you.
So, this wraps up our overview of the key features, specifications, and functional characteristics that you should consider while picking out batting gloves. In our next section, we will provide a detailed review of each individual model, noting our general impression of the glove, the primary features and specification, and the pros and cons of the gloves.
Product Reviews
Rawlings Youth 5150 Batting Gloves – Best Overall Honorable Mention
This is a really nice-looking youth glove in six different colors, and the camo design should be a hit with the younger group. The double-knit construction should result in excellent durability, and the added leather finger gussets will help with flexibility, and to help the glove keep its form.
Pros
- Overall 5 review
- Cited in many reviews for great fit
- Top 25 seller in baseball batting gloves
Cons
- Only seventeen customer reviews at this point
- Several reviewers noted that sizes tend to run small
Franklin Sports MLB Digitek Batting Gloves – Best Value
Franklin Sports MLB
Digitek Batting Gloves
Features and specifications:
- leather heel patch provides additional padding to reduce shock while batting
- tri-Curve technology to provide a good fit while maintaining their shape
- ventilated finger holes, and an etched micro-fiber palm for strong grip
Available in seven youth and adult sizes, this glove is the official batting glove of Major League Baseball. Seven colors of camo printing give the glove a distinctive look. Double stitching on the padded palm insert should give this glove exceptional durability.
Pros
- Officially endorsed by Major League Baseball
- Seven sizes available for customized fit
- Good ratings for durability, comfort, and value
- #1 bestseller in baseball batting gloves
Cons
- Durability rating overall is 4.3, but virtually all one-star ratings mention lack of durability, especially in stitching
Mizuno MVP Baseball Batting Gloves – Best Overall
Mizuno has been making baseball equipment since 1906, and this youth glove shows their knowledge and dedication to the game. They have an air mesh back for flexibility and breathability, and a solid wrist closure system. While there is not a lot of information on the Amazon site about these gloves, the Mizuno name should be indicative of their overall quality.
Pros
- 90% of reviews are four- or five-star
Cons
- Newly introduced glove, very limited information available, a total of under 40 reviews on three web sites
Seibertron B-A-R PRO 2.0 Signature Baseball – Best Value Honorable Mention
Seibertron makes a variety of gloves for other sports, such as biking and paintball, and this is their entry into the baseball batting glove market. This model is available in both youth and adult sizes, with five youth and six adult sizes marketed for a custom fit. They feature additional patches in high wear spots for added durability.
Pros
- Hook and loop closure for easy on and off
- Extra padding will be beneficial for those using metal bats
- Extra material in high wear areas
Cons
- Virtually all one-star reviews (6% of total) relate to durability and quality of the gloves
- Silicone loses anti-slip properties when wet
Franklin Sports MLB Shok-Sorb Neo Batting Gloves
Franklin Sports MLB
Shok-Sorb Neo
Batting Gloves
Features and specifications:
- additional padding covers the palm, base of the thumb, and base of fingers for added shock protection
- made from smooth, soft leather
- back of glove is lycra mesh, ventilated
- velcro closure featuring MLB logo
Franklin Sports has been producing batting gloves, baseball equipment, and equipment for other sports since the 1940s. This glove represents some improved technology over prior models, while still maintaining the history of the company. This glove features their Shok-Sorb padding to absorb the sting of hitting and also introduces the “floating thumb” to increase glove flexibility.
Pros
- One of the better-padded gloves available
- #11 selling batting glove
- Highly rated for comfort, value, and durability
Cons
- Only available in L or S for youth sizes
- Second highest base price
Louisville Slugger Genuine Adult Batting Gloves
Known for years for their baseball bats, Hillerich & Bradsby have branched out into other baseball equipment. This pair of adult gloves comes in five sizes, or three youth sizes, and features a one-piece synthetic material palm with a no-slip grip. Stretchy lycra gives the back of the glove a good fit while maintaining flexibility and breathability.
Pros
- Solid, no-slip pebbled palm grip
- Double stitching around thumb
- Reasonably priced at $13 – $15
Cons
- Single stitching other than thumb reduces the durability
- Only 62% five-star reviews
Franklin Sports MLB CFX Pro Baseball Batting Gloves – Best Professional Model
Another glove from Franklin, also available in both youth and adult sizes. Worn by many professional players, this is an upper-end glove in both price and quality. Built from premium leather with a pebble grain, it offers good grip and flexibility. Made to look good as well as perform, it comes in 24 different design and color combinations.
Pros
- Franklin history and performance, MLB endorsement
- #3 best-selling batting gloves on Amazon
- Ventilated fingers for breathability
Cons
- 12% of ratings are one-star, most related to durability of the gloves’ stitching
Franklin Sports 2nd-Skinz Batting Gloves
One more from Franklin, with this pair of batting gloves made from man-made materials, designed for a tight, flexible fit. The polyurethane material, combined with the Tri-Curve technology and a lycra backing, gives maximum flexibility to the gloves. They come in nine different youth through adult sizes and five different colors.
Pros
- Budget-priced from $12 – $23
- Velcro closure system with MLB logo
- Double stitching around heel pad
Cons
- Only 55% 5-star ratings
- 17% 1-star reviews, mostly around overall quality and durability
Under Armour Men’s Clean Up Gloves
Under Armour was initially known for their athletic clothing, but have since begun to branch out into athletic equipment, including these batting gloves. These are machine washable and made from synthetic materials. They have leather palm overlays for superior grip and flexibility.
Pros
- Budget-priced gloves, ranging from $12 – $25
- Twelve different design/color models available in five sizes
- #2 seller in batting gloves
Cons
- 15% of reviews are one-star, most related to durability of gloves
- Complaints about customer service and return policy
Franklin Sports Neo Classic II Series Baseball Batting Gloves
If you want batting gloves in some bright neon colors, this could be the model for you. The gloves come in five different colors, and up to seven sizes, depending on the particular color/design. They come with Franklin’s floating thumb technology, which increases the flexibility of the glove. These are officially licensed Major League Baseball gloves.
Pros
- Special flex lines in glove improve flexibility, decrease buildup of dirt and grime on glove palm
- Special leather maintains softness and tactility for improved grip
Cons
- Several complaints about durability, consistency, and overall quality
Under Armour Men’s Clean-Up VI Batting Gloves
This is the second glove here from the Under Armour Clean-Up series. Available in adult sizes only, there are nine different color designs available. This is a premium glove, with a goatskin palm and added synthetic patches for extra support and structure. The gloves are machine washable.
Pros
- Versatile gloves, with several endorsements in using them for golf, lifting, driving, gym, etc.
- Good looking gloves, bright colors, attractive designs (might be due to stock situation, but several models only available in one or two sizes)
Cons
- 13% of reviews are one-star, most related to the durability of the gloves
- Comments that sizes tend to run smaller than expected
Franklin Sports MLB Pro Classic Baseball Batting Gloves
This pro-grade glove was designed with Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt to be the first endorsed MLB batting glove. This premium glove is designed to prevent bunching and tearing and is made to fit the natural curves of the hand. It’s available in up to seven different youth and adult sizes, depending on the model, and comes in 8 colors.
Pros
- Proven workmanship by years of use in professional baseball environments
- Elastic wristband reduces the need for additional closure materials, resulting in a lighter glove
- Professional grade quality leather
Cons
- Most one-star reviews relate to the durability of the stitching
Rawlings Workhorse Adult Batting Gloves
This glove is the same as another Rawlings model, the Dura, but has the addition of a palm pad for additional comfort and shock protection. Please note that this adult model had a designated throwing hand, which might indicate that it is sold as a single glove, not a pair. It is not clear in the write-up on Amazon. If it is only one glove, the $26 unit price makes it a very premium glove.
Pros
- Highly stretchable Dynamic Fit system makes for a tight fit on your hand
- Good ratings for comfort
Cons
- The price point is fairly high, even if sold as a pair
- 7 rating for durability, 3.8 for value
Franklin Sports MLB Powerstrap Baseball Batting Gloves
Franklin Sports MLB
Powerstrap Baseball
Batting Gloves
Features and specifications:
- great appearance, with chrome accents on the logo, closure strap, and fingers
- made from premium sheepskin leather for softness and durability
- leather palms and fingers, with ventilation holes and cut-outs for added flexibility
This final Franklin model features their Powerstrap closure system, designed to tightly close the glove at the wrist, and not require further adjustments while at the plate. Designed to reduce hand blisters, it has a seamless palm following the natural curve of the hand. It’s available in nine different colors or design choices.
Pros
- Many positive comments about the great fit of these gloves
- Designed in conjunction with MLB players, and used by several
- Nine design and color choices
Cons
- The price point is fairly high and puts these in the market for serious players
- 18% one-star ratings, most around the durability of the glove
So, that wraps up the detailed reviews on fourteen different styles of batting gloves. Two observations come to mind as a result of the research:
- What one person likes about a pair of gloves, another will hate, and a lot of the issues come down to individual expectations. One person my rave because a glove lasted three months, another may rant for the same reason.
- It’s very difficult to put a value rating against these gloves because of, frankly, illogical pricing practices. For example, in one model, six sizes are sold for $20, but a large adult size is sold for $25. Depending on your hand size, the same glove may or may not be a good value for you.
Given those two caveats, here is a short summary of the “best of” categories for these batting gloves.
Each of these gloves offers good quality, durability, and fit. I like the Mizuno on an overall basis, driven primarily by the reasonable price tag, innovative closure system, and a high percentage of five-star reviews. Even though the Rawlings 5150 is only a youth glove, it demonstrates many of the same features, with a solid performance at a reasonable price point. My only concern with these choices is the fairly low number of reviews, but the reputation of the manufacturers overcomes that.
Each of these gloves has a solid quality review, and the pricing is almost identical. The key differentiator for me is that the Franklin is the #1 seller on Amazon, and also the official batting glove of MLB. You would not go wrong with either of these gloves.
Last, but not least:
This one has a heavy-duty design, evidenced by the double-stitching and strong closure system. It is also MLB endorsed, and, while the price tag may point it to the serious player, it has enough quality reviews to consider it for even beginning players.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this review has given you some additional information that will help you make the right choice when purchasing your next pair of batting gloves. Unlike some other equipment, the fit and feel of batting gloves will be a very individual experience, so make sure to look past the price and into the details of the specifications and features. Happy hitting!